254SMO is an austenitic steel designed for maximum resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. With high levels of chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen, 254SMO is especially suited for high chloride environments such as brackish water, seawater, pulp mill bleach plants and other high-chloride process streams. In new construction, 254SMO has been found in many cases to be technically adequate and much less costly substitute for nickel-based alloys and titanium.

254 SMO® (UNS S31254 ) is an austenitic stainless steel, compatible with the common austenitic stainless steels, designed with high levels of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen for maximum resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. 254 SMO® is substantially stronger than the common austenitic grades, but is also characterized by high ductility and impact strength. Often referred to as a “6% Moly” grade due to the molybdenum content, 254 SMO® seamless austenitic stainless steel pipe has the ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain strength under volatile conditions.

Commonly used as a replacement in critical components of larger constructions where Type 316L or 317L has failed by pitting or chloride stress corrosion cracking, 254 SMO® seamless austenitic stainless steel pipe withstands the same corrosive environments. In new construction, 254 SMO® has been found in many cases to be a technically adequate and more cost efficient substitute for other nickel based alloys and titanium; the allowable design values may be about 50% higher than those for standard austenitic steels. This means that the possibility of designing thinner walls can save cost. It is often considered a “high end” austenitic stainless. 254 SMO® seamless austentic stainless steel pipe is readily fabricated and welded.

254 SMO® seamless austentic stainless steel pipe offers chloride resistance superior to that of other alloys like Alloy 904L, Alloy 20, Alloy 825 and Alloy G and is specially suited for high chloride environments such as brackish water or seawater. Applications for 254 SMO® seamless austenitic stainless steel pipe include petroleum production, saltwater handling, food processing and chemical processing equipment, pulp mill bleach systems, flue gas desulfurization scrubbers and tall oil distillation columns.